General Information

About Us

The National Federation of the Blind of New York knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day, we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back. For more information about the National Federation of the Blind of New York, visit our website at nfbny.org, or call us at 716-222-3632.

Code of Conduct

Please note, the NFB’s Code of Conduct will be in effect during this event. Have questions? Contact any member of the board.

Pre-Convention Activities

Please join us for a series of virtual meetings of our Divisions, Special Interest Groups, and Committees during the week leading up to the State Convention in Albany. We hope to see as many of you as possible in Albany this year, however if you cannot be with us, you will be missed. There are Virtual Experience links for many of our in-person meetings and sessions. So, check back closer to the Convention starting Friday December 8^th as more information on the events taking place will be added to this agenda.

Please Note: All times are given in Eastern Standard Time. Zoom joining information is provided for each meeting after its description and contact info.

Monday, December 4th, 2023

The New York Association of Guide Dog Users
7:00 P.M.

Come and join us for the first segment of a two-part series on considering the decisions surrounding applying for a guide dog. This session focuses on exploring the very real and compelling pros and cons that come along with handling a guide dog. We want to offer an alternative to the standard cautiously crafted, and sometimes vague answers to many of the common questions that potential guide dog handlers have. We will be giving clear and less ambiguous answers that explore both sides of these considerations. Working with a guide dog is not a list of 3-star reviews, but rather a range of experiences. Everyone must apply their own personal equation.

This will be a seminar style presentation, with time for Q & A after. There will be door prizes, of course, and hand-outs can be sent upon request.

Heather Bird, President – New York Association of Guide Dog Users
(585) 739-6473 | Heather.L.Bird@gmail.com

Join Guide Dogs Meeting | Meeting ID: 416 814 8519 | Passcode: 92645
One Tap Mobile: +13052241968,,4168148519#,,,,*92645#

Blind Diabetics of New York
8:00 P.M.

Are you or a loved one Diabetic or Prediabetic? Are you interested in learning more about Diabetes and its management? Then come join the Blind Diabetics of NYS Group (BDNY) for a Virtual Holiday Pajama Party! Wear your favorite warm jammies and bring your favorite holiday treats. To celebrate holiday cheer diabetic style. BDNY also meets monthly to discuss a variety of Diabetes-related topics, so come and check us out between conventions too.

Jovan Campbell, Organizer – Blind Diabetics of New York
(917) 328-5098 | navoJ818@gmail.com

Join BDNY Meeting | Meeting ID: 833 9412 7618 | Passcode: 837866
One Tap Mobile: +16465588656,,83394127618#,,,,*837866#

Tuesday, December 5th, 2023

Blind Parents of New York
7:00 P.M.

Come join us to catch up with fellow blind parents. Bring your ideas for how we should move forward with events and activities over the next year. Grab a hot beverage and join us with some of your favorite parenting stories from 2023.

Candice Attrill, Organizer – Blind Parents of New York
(585) 645-2716 | Candice.Attrill@gmail.com

Join Blind Parents Meeting | Meeting ID: 874 6702 7159
One Tap Mobile: +16465588656,,87467027159#

Blind Seniors of New York
7:00 P.M.

What did you come into this room for? What were we talking about? What did you have for breakfast, anyway? Though we discuss these and other timeless queries, in the Blind Seniors of NY (BSNY), we also come together to problem solve, collaborate, advocate, and actively work for change for blind seniors across New York State. Come and join us as we gather to reflect upon 2023 and chart a course for 2024.

Mindy Jacobsen, Organizer – Blind Seniors of New York
(212) 255-6688 | MindyJoy13@gmail.com

Join BSNY Meeting | Meeting ID: 843 0937 0668 | Passcode: 981435
One Tap Mobile: +16468769923,,84309370668#,,,,*981435#

Wednesday, December 6th, 2023

NFB of NYS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
8:00 P.M.

Tis’ the season for giving, and the NFBNYS DEI Committee has a special gift for you! In honor of Human Rights Month and our 67th Annual State Convention, guest speaker Samelys Lopez from the NYC Commission on Human Rights will be hosting a presentation on Disability through that lens.

Rasheta Bunting, Chair – NFBNYS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
(347) 337-4606 | RashetaBunting@gmail.com

Join NFBNYS DEI Meeting | Meeting ID: 826 1357 3938
One Tap Mobile: +16465588656,,82613573938#

Friday, December 8th, 2023

9:00 AM to 11:00 AM - New York State Commission for the Blind Town Hall Meeting

Julie Hovey, Associate Commissioner

This town hall style meeting provides an opportunity for NYSCB to share information about its programs and services available to blind New Yorkers, and for our members to ask questions and provide constructive feedback to NYSCB.

https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/5288506207
Meeting ID: 528 850 6207
One-Tap Mobile: +16469313860,,5288506207#

11:00 AM to 12:00 PM - NFBNYS Board of Director’s Meeting

Chancey Fleet, President, NFBNYS Inc.

https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/5288506207
Meeting ID: 528 850 6207
One-Tap Mobile: +16469313860,,5288506207#

12:00 PM to 1:30 PM - NYAGDU Business Meeting

Heather Bird, President, New York Association of Guide Dog Users

The New York Association of Guide Dog Users will conduct their annual business meeting, which will include a detailed sample demonstration of how NYAGDU can assist an individual in selecting a school or short list of schools to apply to out of the numerous and varied options in the industry.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4168148519?pwd=R1hCYzZuaEhoRlJ3UHF0RWY1VUhXZz09
Meeting ID: 416 814 8519 | Passcode: 92645
One-Tap Mobile: +13052241968,,4168148519#,,,,*92645#

1:30 PM to 2:55 PM Exploring the A in STEAM, How the Arts and STEM Transform Individual Creativity into Collaborative Innovation

This blend of demonstration and discussion will explore how Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math attract and rely upon creative individuals for success and growth. Ensuring that the arts are considered and integrated in STEM curricula exponentially enhances the potential of individuals and the possibilities for everyone.

Chancey Fleet, President, NFBNYS
Danielle Montour, Braille and Tactile Literacy Educator, XR Researcher and Inclusive Design Advocate

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4168148519?pwd=R1hCYzZuaEhoRlJ3UHF0RWY1VUhXZz09
Meeting ID: 416 814 8519 | Passcode: 92645
One-Tap Mobile: +13052241968,,4168148519#,,,,*92645#

1:30 PM to 2:55 PM - Creativity Drives Innovation in Meeting Medical Needs

Come and join a Pannel discussion, hosted by the Blind Diabetics of NY and the Blind Seniors of NY, focusing on how creative solutions to challenges within the medical arena have been addressed by blind people, for blind people.

Moderator, Rasheta Bunting, NFBNYS Vanguard Chapter president,
Lynn Heitz - Certified Diabetes Lifestyle Coach, and Director of Business Engagement for Accessible Pharmacy Services
Jovan Campbell, - Former State and National Scholarship Recipient, Secretary NFBNYS Vanguard Chapter
Dr. Alex Cohen, PhD – Chief Marketing and Accessibility Officer, Accessible Pharmacy

https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/5288506207
Meeting ID: 528 850 6207
One-Tap Mobile: +16469313860,,5288506207#

3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Living, Teaching, Learning and Problem Solving with Creativity

Hosted by the NFB BELL ® Academy of NYS, the New York Parent’s of Blind Children and the Blind Parents of New York, join us for a variety of hands-on activities aimed at exploring how creativity in play and learning, ultimately leads to creativity in careers and life. Content is developed by and for TBS, blind parents, and parents of blind children. Activities will be enhanced with group discussion, and direct presentation.

Heather Bird, NFB ® BELL Academy Coordinator for NYS
Maura Kutnyak, President, New York Parents of Blind Children
Candice Attrill, Group Organizer, Blind Parents of New York

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4168148519?pwd=R1hCYzZuaEhoRlJ3UHF0RWY1VUhXZz09
Meeting ID: 416 814 8519 | Passcode: 92645
One-Tap Mobile: +13052241968,,4168148519#,,,,*92645#

3:00 PM to 4:15 PM Creativity in the Professional Arena

This round table discussion is an opportunity for a panel of creative professionals to answer your questions and share their perspectives on how creative expression in personal presentation can be harnessed to your benefit in the contexts of Accademia and career, through the spoken and written communication you engage in, the fashion choices you make, the virtual presence you curate, and more.

Discussion Moderator, Cayte Mendez, 1^st Vice President, NFBNYS, president, National Association of Blind Educators
Maura Kutnyak-Smalley, President New York Parents of Blind Children, Staff Attorney Criminal Defense Unit Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo Inc.
Kelleigh Larson, Board member, NFBNYS, Rochester Chapter, MS. CRC Rehabilitation Counselor, ACCES-VR
Dawn Penson, President New York Association of Blind Students, Vice President, NFBNYS Syracuse Chapter

https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/5288506207
Meeting ID: 528 850 6207
One-Tap Mobile: +16469313860,,5288506207#

6:25 PM to 7:00 PM - Hospitality Dinner and NEWSLINE Presentation

Those who have RSVPed through the registration form will gather for a hospitality dinner sponsored by NFB NEWSLINE and hosted by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

Rasheta Bunting, DEI Committee Chair, and NFB NEWSLINE Outreach Specialist for NYS
Luis Mendez, NFB Newsline Director for NYS
Maura Kutnyak, NFB Newsline Outreach Specialist for NYS, and NYPBC President

https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/5288506207
Meeting ID: 528 850 6207
One-Tap Mobile: +16469313860,,5288506207#

7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Hospitality Night

All are welcome to check out our hospitality night sponsored by NFB Newsline and hosted by the DEI committee, for comradery and conversation, a guided improv activity with Kelleigh Larsson and Paul Grenier, and don’t forget to check out this year’s opportunity to learn a new dance with Stephanie Foxworth. A cash bar will also be available.

https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/5288506207
Meeting ID: 528 850 6207
One-Tap Mobile: +16469313860,,5288506207#

Saturday, December 9, 2023

7:30 AM to 8:50 AM - NFB NEWSLINE Breakfast

Those who have pre-registered for this event will gather for breakfast with our NEWSLINE staff, to learn about the variety of avenues that NEWSLINE offers for reconnecting with your morning paper. Please note that you will need to present the NEWSLINE Breakfast ticket(s) from your registration envelope for this event.

https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/5288506207
Meeting ID: 528 850 6207
One-Tap Mobile: +16469313860,,5288506207#

9:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Morning General Session

https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/5288506207
Meeting ID: 528 850 6207
One-Tap Mobile: +16469313860,,5288506207#

9:00 AM    Call to Order and Welcome
Chancey Fleet, President NFBNYS

9:05 AM    Invocation
Reverend Paul Grenier

9:10 AM    Logistics and Announcements
Chancey Fleet, President NFBNYS

9:15 AM    Presidential Report
Chancey Fleet, President NFBNYS

9:35 AM    National Report
Patty Chang, Director of Outreach, NFB, and 1^st Vice President, NFBIL

10:05 AM  Updates from the New York State Commission for the Blind
Julie Hovey, Associate Commissioner NYSCB

10:25 AM  BELL Report
Heather Bird, 2^nd Vice President, NFBNYS and NFB BELL® Academy Coordinator for NYS
Maura Kutnyak, President, New York Parents of Blind Children

10:40 AM  Library Report from the Orchard
Laurenne Teachout, MSLS, Senior Librarian New York State Talking Book and Braille Library

10:55 AM NEWSLINE Report
Luis Mendez, NFB NEWSLINE Director for NYS
Maura Kutnyak NFB NEWSLINE Outreach Specialist for NYS

11:20 AM  Library Report from the Big Apple
Chancey Fleet, Assistive Technology Coordinator, Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library

11:35 AM Creative Problem Solving in the History of Our Movement
Patty Chang, Director of Outreach for the NFB, and 1^st Vice President, NFBIL

11:50 AM  Announcements
Chancey Fleet, President NFBNYS

12:00 PM  Adjournment

12:00 PM to 1:30 PM New York Association of Blind Students Business Meeting

Dawn Penson, President, New York Association of Blind Students

The NYABS will be meeting over lunch to conduct their annual business meeting. Please bring your box lunch, or other items you have arranged to the room and see what our Blind Students have been up to and have planned for 2024.

https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/5288506207
Meeting ID: 528 850 6207
One-Tap Mobile: +16469313860,,5288506207#

1:30 PM to 4:30 PM - Afternoon General Session

https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/5288506207
Meeting ID: 528 850 6207
One-Tap Mobile: +16469313860,,5288506207#

1:30 PM    Call to Order and Welcome Back
Chancey Fleet, President, NFBNYS

1:35 PM    Creativity Fills your Social Currency Bank Account
Heather Bird, 2^nd Vice President, NFBNYS

1:50 PM    Culinary Creativity Creates Crucial Connections
Gian Carlo Pedulla, the Blind Gourmet

2:05 PM    The Visual Arts Aren’t So Visual After All, From Fine Arts to Arts and Crafts
Ann Cunningham, Certified Botanical Artist

2:20 PM     Craftsmanship
Ray Wright, Owner-Founder Wright Turn Only Designs

2:35 PM    Legislative Efforts, Learning and Looking Ahead
Manahil Jafri, Board Member, National Association of Blind Students
Christian Minkler, President, NFBNYS Buffalo Chapter

2:55 PM    Creativity in writing goes far beyond “Creative Writing”.
Gary Wunder, Editor, The Braille Monitor

3:10 PM    Communicating Creativity Through Your Appearance
Tricia Waechter. Owner/Founder Blind Girl Designs

3:25 PM    Creativity in Music
TBA

3:40 PM    Finding the People and Places to Share and Grow your Creative Potential
Bernice Bird, Independent Living Skills Educator, Retired

3:55 PM    Creative Problem Solving Busting the “Yes, but” Game with “Ask Miss Cayte”
Cayte Mendez, President, Blind Educators Division and 1^st Vice President, NFBNYS

4:20 PM    Announcements
Chancey Fleet, President, NFBNYS

4:30 PM    Adjournment

6:30 PM    Banquet

https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/5288506207
Meeting ID: 528 850 6207
One-Tap Mobile: +16469313860,,5288506207#

Mistresses of Ceremonies – Rasheta Bunting and Kelleigh Larsson
Invocation – Mindy Jacobsen
Keynote Address – Patti Chang
Door Prizes – Margo Downey
Auctioneer – Veleria Jacobs

Sunday, December 10th, 2023

9:00 AM to 11:20 AM - NYS Affiliate Business Meeting

https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/5288506207
Meeting ID: 528 850 6207
One-Tap Mobile: +16469313860,,5288506207#

9:00 AM    Call to Order

9:05 AM    Invocation
Ahmat Djouma

9:10 AM    Presentation of Resolutions

9:40 AM    Election of Officers

10:00 AM  Chapter Reports
Buffalo Chapter
Rochester Chapter
Syracuse Chapter
New York City Chapter
Vanguard Chapter
Long Island Chapter

10:20 AM  Division Reports
New York Association of Blind Students
New York Association of Guide Dog Users
New York Parents of Blind Children

10:30 AM  Group Reports
Blind Diabetics
Blind Parents
Blind Seniors

10:45 AM  Committee Reports
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

10:50 AM Pledges

11:05 AM  Stronger Together – Looking Ahead
Heather Bird – Second Vice President, NFBNYS

11:15 AM Closing Announcements
Chancey Fleet - President, NFBNYS

11:20 PM  Adjournment